Multiplying...

Sep. 16th, 2009

So, do you have one story that all your stories are about? And do you think it helps to know or would you rather not know?

Cate got the question from 'a conversation with the author' that was published at the back of Ann Patchett's Run.

(Incidentally, I read Patchett's Bel Canto years ago, and I adored it, which I rarely do for more literary work.)

The answer to that question, for me, is I think I do.

My works tend to be about a character finding their way in the world.

That's a theme that's very close to my heart as a 21yo who, in less than a year's time, will probably be unemployed and set free from the routine of school for the first time in her life.

If there's a question I'd like answered, it's 'what should I do with the rest of my life?' That's a question that each of my protagonists have to answer, and The Pathmaker (still needs a goddamn new title) is probably the WIP that's least allegorical and where the question is most In Your Face.

To answer the second part of Cate's question...well, I don't know.

I always knew, but at the same time, until somebody asked the right question, I wouldn't have been able to articulate it. At least for me, I'm not sure that it'll make that much of a difference.